Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8735 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2025

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - May 14, 2025
Money

I am 45 years old I want retire at 60 life expectancy 80 how much amount needed after 15 years for retirement.no medical expenses.i have planned for medical expenses.current monthly expenses are 20000 how much Corpus need for 20 years 60 to 80

Ans: Absolutely appreciate your clarity and planning mindset.

You are 45 years old today.

You plan to retire at 60.

You expect to live till age 80.

So, you need to plan for 20 years of retirement.

You are spending Rs. 20,000 per month today.

You have already arranged separately for medical needs.

That shows smart thinking.

Let us now evaluate how much money you will need when you turn 60.

We will also understand how to build that amount in the next 15 years.

This is a 360-degree assessment.

Clear. Simple. Analytical.

Retirement Expense Projection – Why Future Value Is Higher Than Today
You spend Rs. 20,000 per month today.

This cost will go up every year due to inflation.

Prices of food, clothing, travel, and other needs will increase.

Even without medical costs, inflation will hit all other areas.

If inflation is around 6%, then your monthly expense at age 60 will rise.

It won’t stay Rs. 20,000. It may become over Rs. 48,000 per month at age 60.

That means your yearly expense will be over Rs. 5.8 lakh at retirement.

This will increase every year till age 80.

So you will not need a fixed sum every year.

You will need increasing amounts every year after retirement.

That is why your retirement corpus must be planned carefully.

It must give income for 20 years.

And the income must also grow with inflation.

Why a Larger Corpus Is Required Than Just 20 Years x Expense
Many people wrongly multiply Rs. 5.8 lakh with 20 years.

They think Rs. 1.2 crore is enough. That is wrong.

Why? Because your expenses will not remain flat.

They will increase every year after age 60.

From Rs. 5.8 lakh, they may reach Rs. 9 to 10 lakh annually at age 70.

And even more by age 80.

So you need a rising income from your retirement corpus.

Your money must last and grow at the same time.

You will also keep this corpus invested after age 60.

That means the money must earn returns.

At the same time, you will withdraw every year.

So the portfolio must be inflation-proof, risk-managed, and return-generating.

That needs careful asset allocation.

Not all money should go into FD or debt.

Some part must stay in equity mutual funds to beat inflation.

Recommended Retirement Corpus at Age 60
Considering your future expense growth and 20-year duration, you will need a large corpus.

If you want to spend around Rs. 5.8 lakh in the first year, and rising every year,

You will need a retirement corpus of around Rs. 1.8 to 2 crore.

This is a rough estimated figure.

It will allow you to withdraw rising income for 20 years.

It also assumes you keep money invested wisely after age 60.

It does not count any pension or family support.

If you want to leave behind any legacy for children, you will need more.

This Rs. 2 crore is for you and spouse to live with dignity.

It includes normal lifestyle, travel, occasional leisure, and gifts.

Not just rice-dal-roti.

Time Left: You Have 15 Years to Build This Corpus
You are currently 45. Retirement is planned at age 60.

So you have a good 15 years to save and invest.

This is enough time to build a Rs. 2 crore retirement corpus.

But you must be very consistent.

And you must follow a smart investment approach.

Not just savings or FDs.

Not gold or land.

Not LIC or ULIP policies.

Not endowment plans or money-back policies.

Only mutual funds via MFDs with CFP credentials will help you build this goal.

What to Do Monthly to Build Rs. 2 Crore in 15 Years
Start a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) every month.

A SIP of around Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 35,000 can help you reach close to Rs. 2 crore.

If you already have any lump sum, invest that wisely too.

Choose regular mutual funds. Avoid direct funds.

Direct funds do not provide expert handholding or guidance.

They are suitable only for professionals who track markets full time.

Regular mutual funds allow you to invest with expert guidance of CFPs.

You need active fund management and human monitoring.

That comes only with CFP-guided MFD investing.

Avoid index funds also. They give average returns.

They do not beat inflation consistently in India.

They also fall heavily during bear markets.

Index funds don’t have downside protection.

Actively managed funds choose better sectors and stocks.

They help your SIP grow faster and stay resilient.

Keep Your Retirement Portfolio Flexible and Balanced
Don’t put all in equity. That is risky.

Don’t keep all in debt. That is too conservative.

Balance it smartly between equity and debt funds.

Use hybrid mutual funds as well.

They give stability and growth in one product.

Diversify across large-cap, flexi-cap, and mid-cap funds.

Use short-duration debt funds to park any lump sum.

Review your portfolio once every year.

Don’t react to every market move.

Be patient. Retirement planning is long term.

What Happens at Retirement Age?
When you turn 60, your retirement phase begins.

You stop earning salary. But your expenses will continue.

Your retirement corpus must give you income each year.

You can use a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP).

This allows you to withdraw fixed amounts monthly.

At the same time, the balance stays invested.

It keeps earning returns and grows.

This way, your corpus lasts longer.

You will pay taxes only on the gains.

Mutual funds are more tax-efficient than FDs.

FDs tax the whole interest amount.

Equity mutual funds tax only capital gains.

Long-Term Capital Gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

STCG is taxed at 20%. But this is manageable through staggered withdrawals.

Debt mutual fund gains are taxed as per your slab.

Some Extra Points to Keep in Mind
Don’t fall for insurance policies that promise returns.

Avoid ULIPs, traditional LIC policies, and endowments.

These give poor returns, mostly under 5% per year.

Surrender them early if you already hold such plans.

Reinvest the money in mutual funds instead.

Keep at least 6 months’ expenses in emergency funds.

Keep a term insurance till age 60.

Don’t keep term plans after retirement. Not needed then.

You have already planned for health. That is excellent.

So your focus should be on building income-producing assets.

Not real estate, not gold, not bank FDs.

Only mutual funds offer flexibility, growth, and liquidity.

Finally
You need Rs. 2 crore at age 60 to live well for 20 years.

Your current expense of Rs. 20,000 will rise to Rs. 48,000 by retirement.

Inflation will keep increasing your cost of living.

You have 15 years left to build this Rs. 2 crore.

SIP of Rs. 30,000+ per month with guidance can help you reach this.

Avoid direct funds, index funds, and annuities.

Use regular mutual funds with CFP-guided MFD services.

Don’t try to do this alone. Get professional review annually.

Use equity and hybrid funds wisely.

At retirement, switch to SWP to generate monthly income.

Stay disciplined. Stay invested. Don’t panic in market dips.

You are on the right track by asking this now.

Early clarity gives future comfort. Keep going strong.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8735 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 07, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 29, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Iam 45 year old ,i want to retire know my mothly expenses is 55ooo thousand per month,how much money required to survive till the age of 80
Ans: It's great that you're thinking about your retirement and planning ahead. Here are some steps to help you determine how much money you'll need to retire comfortably:

Calculate Your Retirement Expenses: Start by listing down all your current monthly expenses, including essentials like housing, utilities, groceries, healthcare, and discretionary spending. Add an inflation buffer to estimate future expenses.
Determine Your Retirement Age: Decide at what age you want to retire. Since you're 45 now, consider how many years you have until retirement.
Estimate Your Retirement Income: Assess all potential sources of retirement income, such as pensions, annuities, Social Security, and investment income.
Calculate the Gap: Subtract your estimated retirement income from your projected retirement expenses to determine how much additional income you'll need from savings and investments.
Determine Required Corpus: Once you have the annual shortfall in retirement income, multiply it by the number of years you expect to be retired. This will give you an estimate of the total corpus required to cover your retirement expenses.
Adjust for Inflation: Remember to account for inflation when calculating your retirement corpus. Inflation can erode the purchasing power of your savings over time, so it's crucial to plan for it.
Consult a Financial Planner: Consider seeking guidance from a Certified Financial Planner to help you create a personalized retirement plan. A professional can provide valuable insights and recommendations tailored to your financial situation and goals.
By following these steps and consulting with a financial planner, you can determine how much money you'll need to retire comfortably and develop a strategy to achieve your retirement goals. Remember, it's never too late to start planning for retirement, and taking proactive steps now can help secure your financial future.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8735 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 23, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 13, 2025
Money
Age 37 and retirement age 60 . Having corpus of 45 lakh with me in mutual fund stocks and gold . Having 1 5 years old son and wife together living. Monthly expenses are 55 k and investing 35K in MF out of total monthly earning 90K. how much amount I need after retirement to live comfortably life.
Ans: You are 37 now. You plan to retire at 60. That gives you 23 years to invest. You are already doing well with a Rs. 45 lakh corpus and Rs. 35K SIP.

Let us now assess how much you may need post-retirement to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

 

Understanding Your Current Lifestyle
You spend Rs. 55K per month now.

 

That equals Rs. 6.6 lakh per year.

 

Your family includes your wife and 15-year-old son.

 

Your lifestyle may not reduce drastically post-retirement.

 

In fact, medical and personal expenses may go up.

 

So, we must plan inflation-adjusted future needs.

 

You have 23 years until retirement.

 

Inflation may reduce the value of money every year.

 

Assuming average lifestyle inflation, your future needs will increase.

 

Estimating Retirement Corpus Required
With 6% inflation, Rs. 55K/month becomes about Rs. 2.1 lakh/month in 23 years.

 

That means you will need about Rs. 25 lakh annually after retirement.

 

Post-retirement, you may live till 85. That means 25 years of retired life.

 

For 25 years, you’ll need income generation from your corpus.

 

This should beat inflation and also give you a steady income.

 

Therefore, your target corpus should ideally be Rs. 4 crore to Rs. 5 crore.

 

This range considers inflation, life expectancy, healthcare, and travel goals.

 

Evaluating Your Current Position
You have Rs. 45 lakh saved already. That’s a great start.

 

You invest Rs. 35K monthly in mutual funds.

 

You have a stable income of Rs. 90K/month.

 

Your savings rate is 39%. Very impressive.

 

You have disciplined investing behaviour.

 

You are also diversified into gold and stocks.

 

This gives a strong base for compounding.

 

Assuming a balanced risk profile, you can aim for 10-12% annual returns.

 

Over 23 years, your current savings and SIPs can help you reach your target.

 

Suggestions to Maximise Retirement Readiness
Continue Rs. 35K SIP monthly without fail.

 

Gradually increase SIP amount by 5-10% every year.

 

This will match inflation and grow your contribution.

 

Shift equity-heavy funds to moderate risk 5 years before retirement.

 

Ensure you hold diversified mutual funds managed by reputed AMCs.

 

Avoid index funds. They only copy the market.

 

Index funds don’t protect you in falling markets.

 

Actively managed funds aim to beat the market.

 

A skilled fund manager can control downside.

 

Direct mutual funds seem low-cost. But they miss human guidance.

 

A Certified Financial Planner-backed MFD can guide with proper rebalancing.

 

You will need help during market falls.

 

Regular plan through MFD with CFP gives personalised support.

 

Avoid real estate as an investment. It lacks liquidity.

 

Real estate also has tax, maintenance, and legal hassles.

 

Instead, focus on mutual funds, gold, and debt allocation.

 

You can also add PPF and NPS for retirement safety.

 

Allocate 10-15% of savings into gold as a hedge.

 

Ensure your emergency fund is ready for 6-12 months of expenses.

 

Don’t forget health insurance with Rs. 10-25 lakh cover.

 

It will reduce medical pressure post-retirement.

 

Consider term insurance until your child becomes financially stable.

 

You can surrender any LIC or ULIP policies.

 

Reinvest surrender amount into mutual funds for higher growth.

 

Set goal-wise buckets for wealth creation, son’s education, and retirement.

 

Review your plan with a Certified Financial Planner every year.

 

Don’t chase returns. Focus on consistency and time in market.

 

Compounding works best with patience and discipline.

 

Rebalance portfolio once a year. Reduce risk as age increases.

 

Keep your wife involved in your financial planning.

 

Teach your son about basic finance. It’ll help him in future.

 

Income Strategy Post Retirement
Use Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) for monthly income.

 

SWP gives you monthly income from mutual funds.

 

It’s tax-efficient compared to fixed deposits.

 

SWP from equity funds has new tax rules.

 

Long term capital gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

 

Short-term gains taxed at 20%.

 

SWP can be created from balanced or multi-cap funds.

 

Mix it with debt funds for safety and lower volatility.

 

Plan 3 income buckets – Immediate, Medium, Long-Term.

 

Immediate (0-5 yrs) – keep low-risk debt and liquid funds.

 

Medium (5-10 yrs) – hold balanced and flexi-cap funds.

 

Long term (10+ yrs) – invest in small and mid-cap funds.

 

This strategy protects capital while providing income.

 

Tax planning must be done smartly to reduce outgo.

 

Withdraw money in tax-smart way from various buckets.

 

You can use HUF account for tax savings if applicable.

 

Steps You Can Take Now
Make a written goal for Rs. 4 to 5 crore retirement corpus.

 

Continue monthly SIP of Rs. 35K. Increase yearly if possible.

 

Keep investing bonus and lump sum into mutual funds.

 

Do not pause SIPs during market falls.

 

Track goal progress every 2-3 years.

 

Match asset allocation as per life stage.

 

Buy health insurance separately for self and wife.

 

Plan your son’s higher education with a separate corpus.

 

Avoid using retirement fund for child’s education.

 

Keep estate planning documents updated.

 

Write a Will. Nominate family across all accounts.

 

Keep records of mutual funds, stocks, insurance in one place.

 

Inform spouse about everything.

 

This reduces family stress in your absence.

 

Treat retirement planning as life goal, not just financial goal.

 

Retirement is your longest holiday. Plan it with joy.

 

Discipline + time + patience = financial freedom.

 

Finally
You are already doing very well. Your monthly investments are strong. Expenses are controlled. Lifestyle is modest and focused.

You need around Rs. 4 to 5 crore corpus. This will help you live comfortably post 60.

You have 23 years. That’s enough time to build this corpus. You must continue with focused discipline. And review your plan regularly with a Certified Financial Planner.

This way, your retirement will be peaceful. And full of freedom.

 

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Latest Questions
Prof Suvasish

Prof Suvasish Mukhopadhyay  |1013 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 31, 2025Hindi
Listen
Career
As per my JEE main result I may get admission in following college: BIT Mesra- ECE branch THAPAR - CSE IIIT KOTA- CSE IIIT Ngpur- CSE IIIT Guwahati (not sure)- CSE Could you please suggest what should be order of preference.
Ans: Here's a suggested order of preference based on the colleges and branches you've mentioned, along with explanations:
1. Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology - CSE: Thapar is a well-established engineering institution, and CSE is generally considered a highly desirable branch.
If your son is inclined towards CSE, Thapar is a strong choice.
2. BIT Mesra - ECE: BIT Mesra is a prestigious engineering institute. While ECE might not be as sought-after as CSE, BIT Mesra's reputation and placement record can be attractive.
3. IIIT Kota - CSE: IIITs are known for their focus on IT and computer science.
IIIT Kota is generally considered a good option, particularly for CSE.
4. IIIT Nagpur - CSE: IIIT Nagpur is another reputable IIIT.
If you are looking for CSE, IIIT Nagpur is a strong contender.
5. IIIT Guwahati - CSE: IIIT Guwahati is a National Institute of Technology (NIT).
IIIT Guwahati is generally considered a decent option for CSE.
Important Considerations:
Branch Preference: Your personal preference for ECE vs. CSE is crucial. If you strongly prefer CSE, that should be a major factor in your decision.
College Reputation and Placement: Consider the reputation of each college and its placement record.
IIIT Focus: IIITs are known for their focus on IT and computer science, so they might be a good choice if you have a strong interest in those areas.

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x